* Definitions vary: What constitutes "first language" or "heritage language" can be subjective.
* Data collection is complex: Surveys and censuses may not accurately capture the full picture due to factors like language proficiency, immigrant status, and willingness to self-identify.
However, we can look at some estimates:
* The 2020 US Census: Reported that 41.5 million people over the age of 5 spoke Spanish at home. This number does not distinguish between first and heritage language speakers.
* The Modern Language Association (MLA): Estimates that 52.8 million people in the US speak Spanish, including all levels of proficiency. This number is based on a combination of census data and other sources.
* Other estimates: Vary, but generally fall within a range of 40 to 55 million.
It's important to note that these numbers are likely underestimates. Many Spanish speakers may not be captured in surveys or may not identify as Spanish speakers due to language proficiency or cultural factors.
Therefore, while we can't pin down an exact number, it's safe to say that tens of millions of people in the United States speak Spanish as their first or heritage language.